Daily Readings - Tue Jul 08 2025
Genesis
22And when he had arisen early, he took his two wives, and the same number of handmaids, with his eleven sons, and he crossed over the ford of Jabbok23And having delivered over all the things that belonged to him24he remained alone. And behold, a man wrestled with him until morning25And when he saw that he would not be able to overcome him, he touched the nerve of his thigh, and immediately it withered26And he said to him, "Release me, for now the dawn ascends." He responded, "I will not release you, unless you bless me.27Therefore he said, "What is your name?" He answered, "Jacob.28But he said, "Your name will not be called Jacob, but Israel; for if you have been strong against God, how much more will you prevail against men?29Jacob questioned him, "Tell me, by what name are you called?" He responded, "Why do you ask my name?" And he blessed him in the same place30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "I have seen God face to face, and my soul has been saved.31And immediately the sun rose upon him, after he had crossed beyond Peniel. Yet in truth, he limped on his foot32For this reason, the sons of Israel, even to the present day, do not eat the nerve that withered in Jacob’s thigh, because he touched the nerve of his thigh and it was obstructed
Matthew
32Then, when they had departed, behold, they brought him a man who was mute, having a demon33And after the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds wondered, saying, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.34But the Pharisees said, "By the prince of demons does he cast out demons.35And Jesus traveled throughout all of the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every illness and every infirmity36Then, seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them, because they were distressed and were reclining, like sheep without a shepherd37Then he said to his disciples: "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few38Therefore, petition the Lord of the harvest, so that he may sent out laborers to his harvest.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our role in the world. The first reading from Genesis recounts Jacob's transformative encounter with God, where he wrestles through the night and emerges with a new name, Israel, symbolizing his perseverance and divine favor. This passage highlights Jacob's journey from self-reliance to surrender, as he limps away with a reminder of God's presence in his life. The second reading from Matthew presents Jesus, moved by compassion for the crowds, healing a mute man and calling His disciples to pray for laborers in God's harvest. This passage underscores Jesus' mission of mercy and the urgency of spiritual work.
These readings are connected by themes of struggle and divine intervention. Jacob's wrestling match with God mirrors our own struggles, where perseverance leads to transformation. Similarly, Jesus' compassion and call to action remind us of our responsibility to serve others. Both narratives emphasize trust in God's plan and the need for active participation in His work.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our struggles as opportunities for growth and to trust in God's grace. They also call us to compassion and service, urging us to pray for guidance and to be laborers in God's harvest. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God during life's challenges and actively seek to serve others with compassion and faith.